DeKalb County residents will see an increase in their water bills starting with those going out this month.

The 11 percent increase that took effect Jan. 1 is the second year of a three-year plan to raise rates to pay for a $1.35 billion overhaul to the county’s aging water and sewer system. Rates increase by 11 percent again next year as part of that plan.

The increase translates into about $7.14 more a month for the average customer using 5,000 gallons of water monthly. Before the three-year rate hike, DeKalb water rates last increased in 2008, when they went up by 16 percent.

About the Author

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com